Device for supplying ammunition to weapons

Abstract

To provide a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon (20).SOLUTION: A weapon (20) is mounted on an elevation device (30) arranged to allow an elevation movement of the weapon (20) about an elevation axis (Z1). The device comprises feed chutes (40; 140) connected at one end to the weapon (20). The feed chute 40 comprises a set of elements (42; 142) assembled in a stacked structure. The set of elements (42; 142) is arranged around shafts (44; 144) configured to be arranged coaxially with respect to the elevation axis (Z1) so as to allow a movement around the shafts (44; 144) of the individual elements of the set of elements (42; 142) in conjunction with an elevation movement of the weapon (20) about the elevation axis (Z1). The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with the device according to the present invention.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11a

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon. The present invention also relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Combat vehicles such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks may be equipped with a weapon system coupled to a turret, and the weapon system includes a weapon attached to the turret. Ammunition is typically configured to be supplied from an ammunition magazine to the weapon via a certain type of flexible chute. Such a chute may be configured to provide both a twisting ability and a bending ability to facilitate the supply of ammunition to the weapon. There may be a problem with the space for the weapon system, particularly the space for a turret configured to accommodate such a flexible chute that requires a certain space for the weapon system.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to provide a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon that promotes a compact solution.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle equipped with such a device that promotes a compact solution.

[0006] These and other objects, which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon and a vehicle as set forth in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of this device are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0007] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon. The weapon is attached to an elevation device arranged to enable an elevation movement about the elevation axis of the weapon. The device comprises a supply chute with one end connected to the weapon. The supply chute comprises a set of elements assembled in a laminated structure. The set of elements is arranged around a shaft configured to be concentric with the elevation axis so as to enable movement of the individual elements of the set of elements around the shaft in relation to the elevation movement about the elevation axis of the weapon.

[0008] Accordingly, by providing such a supply chute with elements arranged around a shaft concentric with the elevation axis, a compact supply chute may be obtained. This is because thereby the individual elements of the supply chute only need to pivot around the shaft, i.e., only in a plane substantially orthogonal to the elevation axis, in order to supply ammunition to the weapon via the supply chute. This facilitates the individual elements being closely laminated together. Accordingly, the distance between the individual elements may be short since there is no need to bend the elements relative to each other. This also facilitates the individual elements being assembled in a laminated structure with the individual elements being arranged at a constant distance from each other in the axial direction of the shaft. This further facilitates the supply chute requiring low resistance in order to supply ammunition within the full elevation range of the weapon via the supply chute.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the device, the supply chute is configured such that the end opposite the end connected to the weapon is fixedly attached to a guiding chute for guiding ammunition from a magazine to the supply chute. Thereby, the supply of ammunition from the end opposite the end connected to the weapon, i.e., to the weapon, may be easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon since the ammunition may be taken into the supply chute via, for example, a fixedly connected guiding chute.

[0010] According to certain embodiments of the device, the supply chute comprises a first end element configured to be closest to the weapon, and the first end element is configured to pivot around a shaft in response to an elevation movement around the elevation axis of the weapon. Thereby, the supply of ammunition to the weapon may be easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the device, the supply chute comprises a second end element configured to be farthest from the weapon, and the second end element is configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the supply chute by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon. Thereby, the supply of ammunition from the end opposite to the end connected to the weapon, i.e., to the weapon, may be easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon, for example because the ammunition can be taken into the supply chute via a fixed connected guiding chute.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the device, the elements between the first end element and the second end element among a set of elements are displaceable relative to each other in steps. Thereby, the supply of ammunition via the supply chute may be efficiently achieved because the individual elements can be displaced relative to each other based on the elevation angle so as to enable the supply of ammunition through one or more openings of the supply chute.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the device may comprise an element displacement control mechanism for controlling the relative displacement of the individual elements of a set of elements of the supply chute arranged in relation to the front side of the supply chute, i.e., the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or the rear side opposite thereto. According to certain embodiments of the device, the element displacement control mechanism may comprise a spring member configured to be fixed to the end element and a spring rod configured to pass through the individual elements from one end element to the opposite end element and configured to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of a set of elements of the supply chute related to the elevation movement of the weapon.

[0014] According to certain embodiments of the device, the individual elements movable around the shaft are configured to rotate around the shaft at a constant angle relative to adjacent elements such that the supply of ammunition via the supply chute is possible at any elevation angle of the elevation device. Advantageously, the rotation of the individual elements may be set to a maximum rotation angle such that the displacement relative to adjacent elements can be easily and efficiently achieved by the ammunition being supplied continuously via the supply chute. Thus, the number of elements in a set of elements is such that, depending on the maximum rotation angle of such individual elements, the supply chute in which the set of elements is arranged to be movable around the shaft enables the supply of the weapon at any elevation angle via the ammunition supply chute.

[0015] According to certain embodiments of the device, the supply chute is configured to provide at least one channel by means of which the ammunition is configured to be supplied, and the individual elements movable around the shaft are configured to be arranged at a constant distance from each other in the axial direction of the shaft. The supply chute comprises a sliding mechanism with a set of sliding members arranged in relation to the individual elements and configured to run in the supply direction so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element of the supply chute. Thereby, an easy and efficient supply via the ammunition supply chute is facilitated by the set of sliding members. Thereby, a compact supply chute with a small number of individual elements may be obtained.

[0016] According to certain embodiments of the device, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism comprise sliding rails arranged one above the other in relation to the individual elements so as to enable relative movement for facilitating the stepwise mutual displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements when rotating around the shaft. By means of such sliding rails arranged one above the other in relation to the individual elements, the rotational movement of the individual elements relative to each other and the supply via the supply chute with low resistance to the ammunition may be efficiently achieved.

[0017] According to certain embodiments of the device, the supply chute has a connection side for connecting the supply chute to the weapon and a receiving side on the opposite side. The supply chute has a front side that substantially faces the firing direction of the weapon when the supply chute is connected to the weapon and a rear side on the opposite side. The device comprises a rotation limiting mechanism arranged in relation to the front or rear side of the supply chute and configured to limit the rotation of the individual elements around their shafts. The rotation limiting mechanism comprises a track associated with the individual elements of a set of elements, the track extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft so as to facilitate a limited rotation of the individual elements around their shafts. Thereby, efficient control of the movement of the individual elements of the set of elements is facilitated such that the supply via the ammunition supply chute is promoted.

[0018] According to certain embodiments of the device, the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacer members configured to connect a set of elements so as to limit the rotation of the individual elements around their shafts. Thereby, efficient limitation of the rotational movement of the individual elements of the set of elements is facilitated such that the supply via the ammunition supply chute is promoted.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the device may comprise a track member arranged in relation to the front side of the supply chute, i.e., the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or the opposite rear side and configured to penetrate a set of elements so as to limit the rotation of the individual elements around their shafts. The track member is configured to be arranged on the opposite side to the arrangement of the element displacement control mechanism. According to certain embodiments, the device may comprise a spacer member arranged in relation to the track member and configured to hold the individual elements together in the axial direction, i.e., the direction of the shaft, and to limit the relative movement of the elements by the track member.

[0020] According to certain embodiments of the device, the second end element furthest from the weapon is configured to have an angle within the range between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon.

[0021] This can optimize the simplicity of the feed chute by minimizing the number of elements in a set of elements of the feed chute. This is because the feed chute only requires half the elevation angle for elevation corresponding to the rise of the weapon to its maximum elevation angle and the descent to its minimum elevation angle. The elevation of the weapon, i.e., above the barrel of the weapon, typically corresponds to an elevation angle that is substantially larger than the elevation angle for lowering the weapon. This means that a weapon in a horizontal position, assuming the vehicle is in a horizontal position, has the angle of the second end element somewhat upward in the forward direction of the barrel of the weapon.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the device, a set of elements is journal-supported pivotably about a shaft. This facilitates the easy and efficient rotation of the individual elements about the shaft.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the device, the feed chute comprises an upper channel for supplying ammunition and a lower channel for supplying ammunition, and the shaft is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the device, the feed chute comprises a fastening mechanism for attaching the feed chute to the weapon in relation to one end of the feed chute. This facilitates the easy and efficient rotation of the first end element of the feed chute corresponding to the elevation movement of the weapon.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the device, the ammunition is configured to be guided via a guide chute from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially lying position in the feed chute. This may be a space-efficient way of guiding the ammunition to the feed chute within the turret.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the device, the device is for a vehicle-mounted weapon system S comprising a weapon attached to a turret via an elevation device.

[0027] According to certain embodiments of the device, the device comprising a supply chute and the guiding channel to which the supply chute is connected are configured to be disposed within a turret.

[0028] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by the vehicle comprising a device for supplying ammunition from a magazine to a weapon of a weapon system mounted on the vehicle as described herein.

[0029] According to certain embodiments, the vehicle is a tracked vehicle. According to certain embodiments, the vehicle is a combat vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which show similar reference numerals referring to similar parts throughout several views, and with reference to the following detailed description.

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3a

Figure 3b

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7a

Figure 7b

Figure 8

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Figure 9c

Figure 10a

Figure 10b

Figure 11a

Figure 11b

Figure 12a

Figure 12b

Figure 13a

Figure 13b

Figure 14a

Figure 14b

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17a

Figure 17b

Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] In this specification, the term "in the laminated structure" related to "a set of elements assembled in a laminated structure" may refer to that the elements are assembled closely, that is, adjacent elements are arranged relative to each other with relatively little gap, or the elements are assembled at a certain distance from adjacent elements. When a set of elements are assembled in a laminated structure when arranged at a certain distance from adjacent elements, the elements are connected to a sliding member configured to run in relation to the set of elements so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through the supply chute.

[0033] FIG. 1 schematically shows a side view of a tracked vehicle V according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The illustrated vehicle V is composed of a combat vehicle. The tracked vehicle V includes a vehicle body B including a chassis and a body of the vehicle V according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0034] The tracked vehicle V includes a pair of track assemblies T1, T2 suspended and connected to the vehicle body B. The pair of track assemblies includes a right track assembly T1 and a left track assembly T2 for driving the vehicle, each provided with an endless track E driven by driving means arranged to run on a set of wheels W of the track assembly.

[0035] Even if the illustrated motor vehicle V is a tracked vehicle, the motor vehicle V may be composed of a wheeled vehicle according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] The vehicle V is equipped with a turret 10. The turret 10 is arranged on the upper part of the vehicle V. The turret 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis Y that is orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle V and orthogonal to the lateral extension of the vehicle V.

[0037] The vehicle V is configured to include a weapon system S having a weapon 20. The weapon 20 is attached to the turret 10. Accordingly, the weapon 20 of the weapon system S can be rotated by rotating the turret 10 about the axis Y.

[0038] The weapon 20 is configured to be connected to an elevation device connected to the turret 10, for example, a so-called weapon cradle. The elevation device may be the elevation device 30 shown in FIGS. 3a to 3b, FIGS. 4a to 4b, and FIG. 5. The weapon 20 is configured to rise and fall, that is, perform an elevation operation, about the elevation axis Z1 shown in FIG. 1 by the elevation device. The weapon 20 includes a barrel 22. The barrel 22 of the weapon 20 is configured to rise and fall, that is, perform an elevation operation, about the elevation axis Z1.

[0039] FIG. 2 schematically shows a side view of the turret 10 equipped with the weapon system S having the weapon 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the weapon 20 is configured to be connected to an elevation device, for example, the elevation device 30 shown in FIGS. 3a to 3b, FIGS. 4a to 4b, and FIG. 5. The weapon 20 is configured to rise and fall, that is, perform an elevation operation, about the elevation axis Z1 by the elevation device, for example, the weapon cradle.

[0041] The weapon 20 is configured to rise and fall within an elevation angle α. The weapon 20 is configured to rise by an angle α1 from a posture that coincides with the longitudinal extension of the vehicle V, that is, a horizontal posture when the vehicle is in a horizontal posture, and fall by an angle α2 from the horizontal posture.

[0042] Figures 3a and 4a schematically show different perspective views of a chute configuration C including a supply chute 40 associated with an elevation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 3b and 4b show corresponding views with ammunition guided into the chute configuration. The chute configuration or parts of the chute configuration may be included in an apparatus for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon.

[0043] The chute configuration C includes a supply chute 40. An apparatus for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon comprises a supply chute 40. The supply chute 40 comprises a set of elements 42 assembled in a laminated structure. Individual elements of the set of elements 42 may also be referred to as ribs or rib elements.

[0044] The set of elements 42 is arranged around a shaft 44 (see Figure 4a) configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis Z1 of the elevation device 30 (see, for example, Figures 3a to 3b) so as to enable movement of individual elements of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44 related to an elevation movement around the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon.

[0045] The supply chute 40 is included within an apparatus for supplying ammunition to a weapon (not shown in Figures 3a to 3b, Figures 4a to 4b). The supply chute 40 is configured such that one end is connected to the weapon. The end of the supply chute configured to be connected to the weapon is directed towards the elevation device 30. The supply chute 40 is arranged in relation to the elevation device 30 such that the shaft 44 is coaxial with the elevation axis Z1. The supply chute 40 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7a to 7b, 8 and 9a to 9c.

[0046] The shooting configuration C includes guiding shoots 50, 60 for guiding ammunition from the ammunition magazine M to the supply shoot 40. The ammunition magazine M is schematically shown in FIGS. 3a to 3b and FIGS. 4a to 4b. The ammunition magazine may have any suitable configuration for accommodating ammunition.

[0047] The guiding shoots 50, 60 include an intermediate shoot 50 and a vertical shoot 60. The intermediate shoot 50 is configured to connect the vertical shoot 60 to the supply shoot 40.

[0048] The ammunition magazine M may be configured to accommodate the ammunition A in an upright position. The ammunition magazine M may have two channels for guiding the ammunition A. This is to facilitate having different types of ammunition.

[0049] Therefore, the shooting configuration C has two channels C1, C2 that connect to the channels of the ammunition magazine M, namely, a first channel C1 that connects to the first channel of the magazine and a second channel that connects to the second channel of the magazine M.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the intermediate shoot 50 has a twisted structure to guide the ammunition A from a substantially upright position within the magazine M and the vertical shoot 60 to a substantially lying-down position in the supply shoot 40.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the intermediate shoot 50 includes a set of rods 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 arranged to give the shooting configuration C its twist. The rods 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 are supported by a pair of frame configurations 56, 57 arranged at a distance from each other around the rods.

[0052] Individual rounds of ammunition A configured to be guided within each channel C1, C2 are connected. Individual rounds of ammunition A may also be called cartridges. Ammunition A configured to be provided within a magazine M and guided to a weapon via a shoot configuration C is in a coupled state where all rounds are connected.

[0053] Ammunition A may be in the form of an ammunition belt. Ammunition A thus coupled is configured to be moved by a weapon. Accordingly, the weapon comprises means for receiving the ammunition and pulling the coupled ammunition A in relation to the firing of a round. This may be achieved by any suitable means in any suitable manner, for example electrically and / or mechanically. The weapon may comprise any suitable ammunition mechanism not shown.

[0054] The elevation device 30 may be configured to be connected to a bearing support member of the turret so as to facilitate an elevation operation by the elevation device 30.

[0055] The elevation device 30 is arranged to enable an elevation operation of a weapon, for example the weapon 20 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The elevation device 30 is arranged to enable an elevation operation about the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon.

[0056] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the elevation device 30 is configured to be attached to a turret, for example the turret 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and is thus configured to rotate with the turret about the axis Y shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0057] The elevation device 30 includes a ring-shaped support member 32 for supporting a weapon. The ring-shaped support member 32 has an opening O through which the weapon, i.e., the barrel of the weapon, is intended to be disposed. The opening O of the ring-shaped support member 32 has an extension corresponding to the extension of the barrel when attached to the ring-shaped support member 32. The elevation axis Z1 is disposed in relation to the ring-shaped support member 32. The elevation axis Z1 is orthogonal to the axial extension of the opening O and thus to the axial extension of the barrel of the weapon.

[0058] The elevation device 30 including the ring-shaped support member 32 having the opening O may be configured to be journal supported by a bearing for facilitating rotation of the weapon cradle 30 about the axis Z1 for elevation of the barrel of the weapon when supported by the elevation device 30.

[0059] Thus, the elevation device 30 may be configured to be connected to the turret via such a bearing so as to facilitate rotation of the elevation device 30 relative to the turret, i.e., about the axis Z1.

[0060] FIG. 5 schematically shows a side view of the supply chute 40 in relation to the elevation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Here, a part of the weapon 20 is schematically shown as extending from the opening O of the elevation device 30.

[0062] In FIG. 5, the weapon is in a horizontal posture, and the end of the supply chute 40 connected to the weapon 20, including the element closest to the weapon, also has a corresponding horizontal arrangement. Among a set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40, the element configured to be closest to the weapon 20 will hereinafter be referred to as the first end element with reference to FIGS. 6, 7a to 7b, 8, and 9a to 9c.

[0063] Of the set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40, the element furthest from the weapon has a constant inclination by an angle β between the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the weapon (see also FIG. 2). The element of the set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40 configured to be furthest from the weapon 20 is hereinafter referred to as the second end element with reference to FIGS. 6, 7a to 7b, 8 and 9a to 9c.

[0064] FIG. 6 schematically shows a side view of the supply chute of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7a schematically shows a perspective view of the supply chute of FIGS. 5 and 6, and FIG. 7b schematically shows a perspective view of the supply chute of FIG. 7a through which ammunition is supplied.

[0065] FIG. 8 schematically shows a side view of the supply chute of FIG. 5. FIG. 9a schematically shows a cross-section A-A of the side view of the supply chute of FIG. 8, FIG. 9b schematically shows a cross-section B-B of the side view of the supply chute of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9c schematically shows a cross-section C-C of the side view of the supply chute of FIG. 8.

[0066] The supply chute 40 has a first side 40a and a second side 40b on the opposite side thereof (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The supply chute 40 has a third side 40c and a fourth side 40d on the opposite side thereof (see FIGS. 6 and 8). The first side 40a and the second side 40b on the opposite side thereof are substantially perpendicular to the third side 40c and the fourth side 40d on the opposite side thereof, providing a rectangular shape. The supply chute has a connection side 40e for connecting to the weapon and a receiving side 40f on the opposite side thereof (see FIG. 9b). The connection side 40e and the receiving side 40f are surrounded by the first side 40a, the second side 40b, the third side 40c and the fourth side 40d, and the supply chute 40 is formed.

[0067] When the supply chute 40 is connected to a weapon on a vehicle in a substantially horizontal posture, the first longitudinal side 40a is the upper side 40a, the opposite second longitudinal side 40b is the lower side 40b, the third side 40c is the front side 40c, that is, it is directed in the direction of the barrel of the weapon, that is, the firing direction, and the fourth side 40d is the rear side 40d. Each side 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e and 40f will be referred to as if the supply chute 40 were connected to a weapon on the vehicle V described in FIG. 1, for example.

[0068] The supply chute 40 comprises a set of elements 42 assembled in a laminated structure. The set of elements 42 is arranged around a shaft 44 configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis so as to enable movement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44 related to the elevation movement around the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20 (see FIG. 5 for example).

[0069] When the individual elements of the supply chute 40 move, they pivot only around the shaft 44, that is, only in a plane substantially orthogonal to the elevation axis. The tight lamination of the individual elements is facilitated by the individual elements of the set of elements 42 rotating only in one plane.

[0070] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 comprises an upper channel C1 for supplying ammunition and a lower channel C2 for supplying ammunition. Thus, the upper channel C1 may constitute part of the first channel C1 of the chute configuration C described with reference to FIG. 3a, for example. Thus, the lower channel C2 may constitute part of the second channel C2 of the chute configuration C described with reference to FIG. 3a, for example.

[0071] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft 44 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 includes an intermediate portion 40i configured to extend between the upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2. The intermediate portion 40i is configured to divide the supply chute 40 into two channels C1, C2. Thus, the intermediate portion 40i has an extension corresponding to the extensions of the channels C1, C2. The shaft 44 is disposed to penetrate the intermediate portion 40i.

[0072] The upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2 have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the ammunition. Thus, the upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2 become narrower in relation to the short side 40c, i.e., the side 40c facing the barrel of the weapon (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0073] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 includes an upper opening O1 disposed on the upper side 40a to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of the combined ammunition from the upper channel C1 to the weapon (see FIG. 8).

[0074] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 includes a lower opening O2 disposed on the lower side 40b to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of the combined ammunition from the lower channel C2 to the weapon (see FIG. 8).

[0075] The supply chute according to the present disclosure may alternatively be configured with a single channel. The supply chute according to the present disclosure may be configured with any suitable number of channels.

[0076] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual elements of the supply chute 40 are integrally formed.

[0077] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 have a plate shape. The individual elements of the supply chute 40 may be referred to as plate elements or plate members.

[0078] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 have an upper side that forms the upper side 40a of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining portion of the set of elements 42.

[0079] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 have a lower side that forms the lower side 40b of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining portion of the set of elements 42.

[0080] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 have a front side that forms the front side 40c of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining portion of the set of elements 42.

[0081] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 have a rear side that forms the rear side 40d of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining portion of the set of elements 42.

[0082] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 comprises a support frame 46 for supporting a set of elements 42, having an upper frame portion 46a disposed on the upper side 40a and a lower frame portion 46b disposed on the lower side 40b, in relation to the connection end portion 40e of the supply chute 40. The support frame 46 is configured to be fixedly attached to a weapon.

[0083] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 comprises a fastening mechanism 47 for attaching the supply chute 40 to a weapon, in relation to the connection end portion 40e of the supply chute 40.

[0084] The fastening mechanism 47 comprises a pair of locking members 47a, 47b for attaching the supply chute 40 to be locked to a weapon. The fastening mechanism 47 is attached to the support frame 46. The support frame 46 is configured to be fixedly attached to a weapon by the fastening mechanism 47 here.

[0085] The supply chute 40 is configured to be attached to the weapon by a fastening mechanism 47 such that the element closest to the weapon (hereinafter referred to as the first end element 42e1) rotates around the shaft 44 in response to the elevation movement of the weapon. The supply chute 40 may be attached to the weapon by any suitable fastening mechanism.

[0086] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 includes a first end element 42e1 configured to be closest to the weapon. The first end element 42e1 is disposed on the connection side 40e (see FIG. 9b).

[0087] The first end element 42e1 is configured to pivot around the shaft 44 in response to the elevation movement around the elevation axis of the weapon. The first end element 42e1 is configured to be fixedly attached to the support frame 46.

[0088] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 40 includes a second end element 42e2 configured to be farthest from the weapon. The second end element 42e2 is disposed on the receiving side 40f opposite to the connection side 40e.

[0089] The second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the supply chute 40 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon. The second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that the supply from the ammunition guide chute can be easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (see FIGS. 3a and 4a for example). Thus, the second end element 42e2 is configured to be substantially fixed to the guide chute such that ammunition can be introduced into the supply chute 40 through the connected guide chute.

[0090] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the elements between the first end element 42e1 and the second end element 42e2 of a set of elements 42 are displaceable relative to each other in a stepwise manner. The individual elements are configured, according to certain embodiments, to displace relative to each other based on the elevation angle so as to enable the supply of ammunition through the channels C1, C2 of the supply chute 40.

[0091] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual elements movable around the shaft 44 are configured to rotate around the shaft at a constant angle relative to adjacent elements so as to enable the supply of ammunition through the supply chute 40 at any elevation angle of the elevation device.

[0092] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation of the individual elements around the shaft 44 is set to a maximum rotation angle such that the displacement relative to adjacent elements can be easily and efficiently achieved by the ammunition being supplied continuously through the supply chute 40.

[0093] The number of elements in the set of elements 42 is selected, depending on the maximum rotation angle of such individual elements, such that the supply chute 40 in which the set of elements 42 is arranged to be movable around the shaft 44 facilitates the supply at any elevation angle of the weapon through the ammunition supply chute 40, i.e., through the channels C1, C2 of the supply chute 40.

[0094] The supply chute 40 comprises a track member 40t arranged in relation to the rear side 40d and configured to penetrate the set of elements 42 so as to limit the rotation of the individual elements around the shaft 44. The track member 40t is arranged in relation to the intermediate part 40i in relation to the rear side 40d. The track member 40t may be included within a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit the rotation of the individual elements around the shaft 44.

[0095] The track member 40t extends in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i. The track member 40t extends in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to allow a certain rotation of each of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44. The track member 40t extends in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to limit the rotation of each of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44.

[0096] The device for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon may comprise a track member configured to penetrate a set of elements 42 so as to limit the rotation of individual elements around the shaft, which is arranged in relation to the rear side of the supply chute 40 or the front side on the opposite side thereof.

[0097] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 are provided with a track member, i.e., a track, which forms the track member 40t of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining part of the set of elements 42 arranged in relation to the rear side of the individual element. Thus, the track member 40t penetrates each element in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the axial extension of the shaft 44. Thus, each track member, i.e., each track, arranged in relation to the rear side of the individual element and penetrating the individual element extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 44 so as to limit the rotation of each of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44. Thus, the track member, i.e., the track, arranged in relation to the rear side of the individual element extends in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 44 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the intermediate portion 40i so as to limit the rotation of each of the set of elements 42 around the shaft 44. The track member, i.e., the track, arranged in relation to the rear side of the individual element may be included in a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit the rotation of the individual element around the shaft 44.

[0098] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 are connected by spacer members 48 arranged in relation to the track member 40t. The spacer members 48 are configured to hold the individual elements together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 44, and to limit relative movement of the elements by the track member 40. The spacer members 48 may be included within a rotation limiting mechanism configured to limit rotation of the individual elements about the shaft 44.

[0099] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, each individual spacer member 48 of a set of spacer members 48 is configured to connect the individual element and the adjacent element's track member, i.e., the track, so as to limit rotation of the individual elements of the supply chute 40 about the shaft 44 (see FIG. 9a).

[0100] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, when each element of a set of elements is arranged at substantially the same height, i.e., when there is substantially no relative displacement between the individual elements, the track of each individual element, i.e., the track member, is displaced alternately with respect to the adjacent element (see FIG. 9a). Thus, the track of each individual element, i.e., the track member, is fixedly connected to one of the elements and movably connected to the track of the adjacent element so as to allow limited relative displacement with respect to the element to which the spacer member of that element is fixed, and is displaced alternately with respect to the adjacent element so as to facilitate connection of the adjacent element by the individual spacer members 48.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 9a, for the individual element to which the spacer member 48 is fixed, another spacer member 48 is movably connected to the track of the individual element, and another spacer member 48 is fixedly connected to the next adjacent element, and so on.

[0102] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members 48 has longitudinal extensions. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members 48 has a joint member configuration. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members 48 has a cylindrical shape. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members 48 has longitudinal extensions that extend through two adjacent ones of a set of elements 42. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members 48 is configured to be movable along a track, i.e., along a longitudinal extension of a track member, for each individual element in the longitudinal extension of the track member.

[0103] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon may include spacer members arranged in relation to a track member and configured to hold individual elements together in an axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft, and to limit relative movement of the elements by the track member.

[0104] The supply chute 40 includes an element displacement control mechanism 49 for controlling the mutual displacement of individual elements of a set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40 (see FIGS. 8 and 9c). The element displacement control mechanism 49 is arranged in relation to the front side 40c. The element displacement control mechanism 49 is arranged in relation to the intermediate part 40i in relation to the front side 40c.

[0105] The element displacement control mechanism 49 includes a spring member 49a. The spring member 49a is configured to be fixed to a second end element 42e2 as shown in FIG. 9c. The element displacement control mechanism 49 includes a fixing member 49b for fixing the spring member 49a. The fixing member 49b is attached to an end of the second end element 42e2 by screw joints J1, J2, here a pair of screw joints J1, J2. The fixing member 49b has an extension extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial extension of the shaft 44 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the intermediate part 40i.

[0106] The spring member 49a includes a fixing portion 49a-1 configured to be fixed by a fixing member 49b. The fixing portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a has an extension portion corresponding to the extension portion of the fixing member 49b. The fixing portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a is disposed between the screw joints J1 and J2.

[0107] The spring member 49a includes a spring rod 49a-2 configured to penetrate individual elements from a second end element 42e2 to which the fixing portion 49a-1 of the spring member 49a is fixed to a first end element 42e1 (not shown in FIG. 9c). The spring rod 49a-2 is configured to pass through the openings 49o of the individual elements.

[0108] The spring member 49a is configured to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of a set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40 related to the elevation movement of the weapon. The spring rod 49a-2 of the spring member 49a is configured to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of a set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40 related to the elevation movement of the weapon and thus the movement around the shaft 44 of the individual elements.

[0109] The spring rod 49a-2 of the spring member 49a is configured to bend in relation to the elevation movement of the weapon and thus the rotation around the shaft 44 of the individual elements so as to control the relative displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 such that the displacement of adjacent elements of the individual elements is substantially the same.

[0110] The openings 49o of the individual elements of the set of elements 42 are configured to provide space for the spring rod 49a-2 to bend in relation to the rotation around the shaft 44 of the individual elements. The spring rod 49a-2 is configured to penetrate the individual elements including the first end element 42e1 (not shown in FIG. 9c) so as to allow axial movement related to the bending of the spring rod 49a-2.

[0111] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure may include such an element displacement control mechanism for controlling the mutual displacement of individual elements of a set of elements of a supply chute disposed in relation to the front side of the supply chute, i.e., the side facing the firing direction of the weapon, or the rear side opposite thereto. The element displacement control mechanism is configured to be disposed on the side opposite to the arrangement of the track member.

[0112] According to an aspect of the apparatus, the element displacement control mechanism may include a spring member including a spring rod configured to be fixed to an end element and to penetrate individual elements from one end element to the opposite end element, and may be configured to control the mutual displacement of individual elements of a set of elements of the supply chute related to the elevation operation of the weapon.

[0113] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 are configured such that the elements can be integrated with at least one other element to form the supply chute 40.

[0114] The individual elements of the supply chute 40 include openings for receiving a shaft 44 disposed in an intermediate portion 40i, the openings forming an enclosure for the shaft 44 of the supply chute 40 when stacked together with the remaining portion of the set of elements 42.

[0115] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2 farthest from the weapon is configured to have an angle β within a range between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon (see FIG. 5). By configuring the second end element 42e2 farthest from the weapon to have an angle β such that the number of elements of the set of elements 42 of the supply chute 40 can be minimized, the simplicity of the supply chute 40 is optimized.

[0116] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2, which is the farthest from the weapon, is configured to have an angle β such that the supply chute requires substantially only half the elevation angle for elevation corresponding to the rise of the weapon to its maximum elevation angle and the fall to its minimum elevation angle (see also FIG. 2). The elevation of the weapon, i.e., above the barrel of the weapon, typically corresponds to an elevation angle α1 that is substantially greater than the elevation angle α2 for lowering the weapon 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0117] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end element 42e2, which is the farthest from the weapon, is configured to have an angle β such that, for a weapon in a horizontal position and assuming the vehicle is in a horizontal position, the second end element is somewhat upward in the forward direction of the barrel of the weapon.

[0118] According to certain embodiments of the device, a set of elements is journal-supported pivotably about a shaft. This facilitates easy and efficient rotation of the individual elements about the shaft.

[0119] FIGS. 10a and 10b schematically show different perspective views of a chute configuration C including a supply chute 140 associated with an elevation device 30 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The chute configuration or each part of the chute configuration may be included within a device for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon.

[0120] The chute configuration C includes a supply chute 140. A device for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon comprises a supply chute 140. The supply chute 140 comprises a set of elements 142 assembled in a laminated structure. The individual elements of the set of elements 142 may also be referred to as ribs or rib elements.

[0121] A set of elements 142 is arranged around a shaft 144 (see FIG. 10b) configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to the elevation axis Z1 of the elevation device 30 such that individual elements of the set of elements 142 associated with the elevation movement around the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon are movable around the shaft 144 of the individual elements.

[0122] The supply chute 140 is included within a device for supplying ammunition to a weapon (not shown in FIGS. 10a to 10b). The supply chute 140 is configured such that one end is connected to the weapon. The end of the supply chute 140 configured to be connected to the weapon is directed towards the elevation device 30. The supply chute 140 is arranged in relation to the elevation device 30 such that the shaft 144 is coaxial with the elevation axis Z1. The supply chute 140 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11a to 11b, FIGS. 12a to 12b, FIGS. 13a to 13b, FIGS. 14a to 14b, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIGS. 17a to 17b.

[0123] The chute configuration C comprises guide chutes 50, 60 for guiding ammunition from the ammunition magazine to the supply chute 40. The ammunition magazine may have any suitable configuration for containing ammunition.

[0124] The guide chutes 50, 60 may be guide chutes that substantially correspond to the guide chutes 50, 60 of FIGS. 3a to 3b, FIGS. 4a to 4b. The guide chutes 50, 60 include an intermediate chute 50 and a vertical chute 60. The intermediate chute 50 is configured to connect the vertical chute 60 to the supply chute 40.

[0125] FIGS. 11a to 11b, FIGS. 12a to 12b schematically show different perspective views of the supply chute 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIGS. 13a, FIGS. 14a to 14b schematically show different side views of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 11a, and FIG. 13b schematically shows a perspective view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 11a with ammunition being supplied through the supply chute 140.

[0126] FIG. 15 schematically shows a cross-section A-A of a side view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 14a, FIG. 16 schematically shows a cross-section C-C of a side view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 14a, FIG. 17a schematically shows another side view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 11a, FIG. 17b schematically shows a cross-section D-D of a side view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 17a, and FIG. 18 schematically shows a cross-section B-B of a side view of the supply chute 140 of FIG. 14b.

[0127] FIG. 13a schematically shows a side view of the supply chute 140 in an elevated state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] In FIG. 13a, according to a modification, the weapon is in a horizontal position as shown, for example, in FIG. 5, and the end of the supply chute 140 connected to the weapon, including the element 142A closest to the weapon, also has a corresponding horizontal arrangement. The element 142A configured to be closest to the weapon among a set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140 is hereinafter referred to as the first end element 142A.

[0129] The element 142E of the set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140 that is farthest from the weapon has a constant inclination by an angle β between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon. The element 142E configured to be farthest from the weapon 20 among a set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140 is hereinafter referred to as the second end element 142E.

[0130] The supply chute 140 has a first side 140a and a second side 140b on the opposite side thereof (see, for example, FIG. 13a). The supply chute 140 has a third side 140c and a fourth side 140d on the opposite side thereof (see, for example, FIG. 13a). The first side 140a and the second side 140b on the opposite side thereof are substantially perpendicular to the third side 140c and the fourth side 140d on the opposite side thereof, providing a rectangular shape. The supply chute has a connection side 140e for connection to a weapon and a receiving side 140f on the opposite side thereof (see, for example, FIG. 14b). The connection side 140e and the receiving side 140f are surrounded by the first side 140a, the second side 140b, the third side 140c, and the fourth side 140d, forming the supply chute 140.

[0131] When the supply chute 140 is connected to a weapon on a vehicle in a substantially horizontal posture, the first longitudinal side 140a is the upper side 140a, the second longitudinal side 140b on the opposite side thereof is the lower side 140b, the third side 140c is the front side 140c, that is, in the direction of the barrel of the weapon, that is, the firing direction, and the fourth side 140d is the rear side 140d. Each of the sides 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f will be referred to as if the supply chute 140 were connected to a weapon on the vehicle V described, for example, in FIG. 1.

[0132] The supply chute 140 includes a set of elements 142 assembled in a laminated structure. The set of elements 142 is arranged around a shaft 144 configured to be coaxially arranged with respect to an elevation axis so as to enable movement of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the set of elements 142 related to an elevation operation around the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon (see, for example, FIG. 10a). Each individual element of the set of elements 142 has an extension substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft 144. Each individual element of the set of elements 142 has a rotation plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft 144.

[0133] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft 144 may include a shaft joint member J144 disposed in relation to the receiving side 140f (see, for example, FIGS. 14b and 18). The shaft joint member J144 includes a shaft protrusion J144a configured to protrude from the receiving side. The shaft protrusion J144a is configured to facilitate connection to and removal from the intermediate chute 50. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft protrusion J144a is configured to be movably connected to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 so as to face the receiving side 140f of the supply chute 140. This may facilitate easy attachment and removal of the supply chute.

[0134] The individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140 pivot only around the shaft 144, that is, only in a plane substantially orthogonal to the elevation axis, when moving. The individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E are configured to be arranged at a constant distance in the axial direction of the shaft 144 with respect to adjacent elements. Thus, each element of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of a set of elements 142 is pivotably arranged around the shaft 144 with the first end element 142A associated with the connection side 140e, and the first intermediate element 142B adjacent to the first end element 142A is pivotably arranged around the shaft 144 at a constant distance from the element 142A, and the second intermediate element 142C adjacent to the first intermediate element 142B is pivotably arranged around the shaft 144 at a constant distance from the element 142B, and the third intermediate element 142D adjacent to the second intermediate element 142C is pivotably arranged around the shaft 144 at a constant distance from the element 142C, and the second end element 142E adjacent to the third intermediate element 142D is pivotably arranged around the shaft 144 at a constant distance from the element 142D in relation to the receiving side. This is facilitated by the individual elements of the set of elements 142 rotating only within one plane. For example, in the embodiments of the supply chute 140 disclosed in FIGS. 11a to 11b, FIGS. 12a to 12b, FIGS. 13a to 13b, FIGS. 14a to 14b, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIGS. 17a to 17b, a set of elements 142 is composed of five individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E arranged at a constant distance from each other. However, the number of individual elements of a set of elements may be any suitable number of elements, and may be more than five elements or less than five elements. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a sliding mechanism 200 arranged in relation to the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element of the supply chute 140. The sliding mechanism 200 will be described in more detail below.

[0135] The supply chute 144 is arranged in relation to the shaft 144 between each element of a set of elements 142 so as to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144, and includes a set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE (see, for example, FIGS. 14b and 18). The individual spacer members of the set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE are configured to be arranged around the shaft 144 so as to facilitate preventing axial movement of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E relative to each other in the axial direction of the shaft.

[0136] The set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a first spacer member 4AB arranged around a portion passing between the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B of the shaft 144. The set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a second spacer member 4BC arranged around a portion passing between the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C of the shaft 144. The set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a third spacer member 4CD arranged around a portion passing between the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D of the shaft. The set of spacer members 4AB, 4BC, 4CD, 4DE includes a fourth spacer member 4DE arranged around a portion passing between the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E of the shaft.

[0137] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes an upper channel C1 for supplying ammunition and a lower channel C2 for supplying ammunition. Thus, the upper channel C1 may constitute a part of the first channel C1 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 10a. Thus, the lower channel C2 may constitute a part of the second channel C2 of the chute configuration C described, for example, with reference to FIG. 10a.

[0138] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the shaft 144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes an intermediate portion 140i configured to extend between the upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2. The intermediate portion 140i is configured to divide the supply chute 140 into two channels C1, C2. Thus, the intermediate portion 140i has an extension corresponding to the extensions of the channels C1, C2. The shaft 144 is disposed to penetrate the intermediate portion 140i. Thus, each individual element has an intermediate portion that forms the intermediate portion 140i when assembled.

[0139] The upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2 have a shape that substantially matches the shape of the ammunition. Thus, the upper channel C1 and the lower channel C2 become narrower in relation to the short side 140c, i.e., the side 140c facing the direction of the barrel of the weapon (see FIGS. 13a and 14a for example).

[0140] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes an upper opening O1 disposed on the upper side 140a to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of the combined ammunition from the upper channel C1 into the weapon (see FIG. 14a).

[0141] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a lower opening O2 disposed on the lower side 140b to facilitate manual introduction of individual rounds of the combined ammunition from the lower channel C2 into the weapon (see FIG. 14a).

[0142] The supply chute according to the present disclosure may alternatively be configured with a single channel. The supply chute according to the present disclosure may be configured with any suitable number of channels.

[0143] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual elements of the supply chute 140 are integrally formed.

[0144] The individual elements of the supply chute 140 have a plate shape. The individual elements of the supply chute 140 may sometimes be referred to as plate elements or plate members.

[0145] Individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140 have an upper side that forms the upper side 140a of the supply chute 140 when assembled with the remainder of the set of elements 142.

[0146] Individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140 have a lower side that forms the lower side 140b of the supply chute 140 when assembled with the remainder of the set of elements 142.

[0147] Individual elements of the supply chute 140 have a front side that forms the front side 140c of the supply chute 140 when assembled with the remainder of the set of elements 142.

[0148] Individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140 have a rear side that forms the rear side 140d of the supply chute 140 when assembled with the remainder of the set of elements 142.

[0149] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a support frame 146 for supporting a set of elements 142, having an upper frame portion 146a disposed on the upper side 140a and a lower frame portion 146b disposed on the lower side 140b, in relation to the connection end portion 140e of the supply chute 140 (see FIG. 13a). The support frame 146 is configured to be fixedly attached to the weapon.

[0150] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a fastening mechanism 147 for attaching the supply chute 140 to the weapon, in relation to the connection end portion 140e of the supply chute 140.

[0151] The fastening mechanism 147 includes a pair of locking members 147a, 147b for attaching the supply chute 140 to be locked to the weapon. The fastening mechanism 147 is attached to the support frame 146. The support frame 146 is configured to be fixedly attached to the weapon by the fastening mechanism 147 here.

[0152] The supply chute 140 is configured to be attached to the weapon by a fastening mechanism 147 such that the element closest to the weapon, hereinafter referred to as the first end element 142A, rotates around the shaft 144 in response to the elevation movement of the weapon. The supply chute 140 may be attached to the weapon by any suitable fastening mechanism.

[0153] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a first end element 142A configured to be closest to the weapon. The first end element 142A is disposed on the connection side 140e (see, for example, FIG. 14a).

[0154] The first end element 142A is configured to pivot around the shaft 144 in response to the elevation movement around the elevation axis of the weapon. The first end element 142A is configured to be fixedly attached to the support frame 146 according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0155] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the supply chute 140 includes a second end element 142E configured to be farthest from the weapon. The second end element 142E is disposed on the receiving side 140f opposite to the connection side 140e.

[0156] The second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to be connected to the supply chute 140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to the guiding chute such that the supply from the guiding chute of the ammunition is easily achieved regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (see, for example, FIGS. 10a to 10b). Accordingly, the second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed to the guiding chute such that the ammunition can be introduced into the supply chute 140 via the guiding chute to which the ammunition is connected.

[0157] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, elements 142B, 142C, 142D between the first end element 142A and the second end element 142E among a set of elements 142 are displaceable relative to each other in a stepwise manner. According to certain embodiments, the individual elements are configured to displace relative to each other based on the elevation angle so as to enable the supply of ammunition through channels C1, C2 of the supply chute 140.

[0158] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual elements movable around the shaft 144 are configured to rotate around the shaft 144 at a constant angle relative to adjacent elements so as to enable the supply of ammunition through the supply chute 140 at any elevation angle of the elevation device.

[0159] The supply chute 140 includes a sliding mechanism 200 arranged in relation to the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element of the supply chute 140.

[0160] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 arranged at a distance from each other within channels C1, C2 of the supply chute. The set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 is configured to extend in the supply direction so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140. Thus, the set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 is configured to extend in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the supply chute 140. The individual sliding members of the set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 have longitudinal extensions configured to extend in the supply direction of channels C1, C2.

[0161] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes an upper sliding member configured to be disposed above the channel of the supply chute 140 and a lower sliding member configured to be disposed below the channel of the supply chute 140.

[0162] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes two upper sliding members and two lower sliding members for each channel of the supply chute 140. Therefore, in the case of a supply chute having only one channel, the sliding mechanism 200 includes two upper sliding members and two lower sliding members according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0163] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 include sliding rails that are overlapped and arranged to enable relative movement to facilitate the relative rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0164] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding rails of the sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 are arranged in an overlapping manner such that the sliding rail closest to the supply side 140f, that is, the side configured to supply ammunition, overlaps the next sliding rail.

[0165] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 include sliding rails that are arranged relative to each other to provide an expansion and contraction function to facilitate relative movement to facilitate the relative rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0166] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members are attached to one supply element to enable relative movement of the sliding rails to facilitate the relative rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0167] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members are attached to one supply element such that the sliding rails can move relative to each other based on rotational movement around the shaft 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0168] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members have sliding surfaces configured to face the ammunition during supply through the ammunition supply chute 140.

[0169] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members is based on the degree of elevation of the weapon, i.e., the range between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon, and thus on the range of rotational movement around the shaft 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0170] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members depends on the degree of elevation of the weapon, i.e., the range between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon, and thus on the range of rotational movement around the shaft 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0171] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members may depend on the position of the individual sliding members. For example, in relation to the intermediate portion 140i, a sliding member disposed at the center of the supply chute 140 may be located closer to the shaft 144 and thus may require fewer sliding rails.

[0172] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 include guide rails arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members to guide and thus control the movement of the sliding rails.

[0173] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rails of the individual sliding members have longitudinal extensions configured to extend in substantially the same direction as the associated sliding rails, and thus in the supply directions of channels C1, C2.

[0174] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members are configured to pass through the openings of the elements arranged in relation to the positions of the sliding members.

[0175] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members may be configured to be movably arranged based on rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0176] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members may be configured to be movably arranged based on the movement of the sliding rails of the sliding members.

[0177] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the number of guide rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members may depend on the position of the sliding members. The sliding members arranged at the center of the supply chute 140 are located closer to the shaft 144 than the sliding members arranged in relation to the front or rear sides, that is, further away from the shaft 144, and thus may require fewer sliding rails.

[0178] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, guide rails arranged in relation to the front side and / or the rear side may require two guide rails. Such guide rails may be arranged one on top of the other and may be arranged to be movable relative to each other based on rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E. Such guide rails may be arranged one on top of the other and may be arranged to be movable relative to each other based on the movement of the sliding rails of the sliding members to which the guide rails are connected.

[0179] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a guide rail arranged at the center of the supply chute 140 may require one guide rail. Such a single guide rail may be arranged to be movable and connectable in relation to the end elements. Such a single guide rail may comprise tracks associated with each of its ends to enable connection and movement based on rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0180] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 comprises a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by the guide rails. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member is attached to the sliding rail of the sliding member, faces the guide rail, and is configured to further facilitate the movable connection of the guide rail. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member comprises an opening configured to allow the guide rail to pass through. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, such a control member may have a U-shaped configuration with a base arranged in relation to the sliding rail and legs comprising the opening.

[0181] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 comprises a first sliding member 210 arranged at the upper central part of the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140. Thus, the first sliding member 210 is configured to be arranged in relation to the central part of the upper side 140a.

[0182] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes three sliding rails 211, 212, 213 arranged in an overlapping manner to enable relative movement for facilitating the mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 11a). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes a first sliding rail 211 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 212 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 213 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0183] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 211, 212, 213 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140.

[0184] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first sliding member 210 includes a single guide rail 214 arranged in relation to the sliding rails 211, 212, 213 of the first sliding member 210 so as to guide and thus control the movement of the sliding rails 211, 212, 213.

[0185] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 214 is movably connected to the first end element 142A in relation to the first end, and is movably connected to the second end element 142E in relation to the second end opposite the first end. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 214 is movably connected to the first end element 142A by the same joint member as the first sliding member 211. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 214 is movably connected to the second end element 142E by the same joint member as the third sliding member 213. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 214 is configured to pass through the openings of a set of elements 142.

[0186] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 114 has a track configured to extend in relation to the first end element 142A so as to facilitate relative movement with respect to a joint member passing through an opening of the first end element 142A for attaching the first sliding member 211.

[0187] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the guide rail 114 has a track configured to extend in relation to the second end element 142E so as to facilitate relative movement with respect to a joint member passing through an opening of the second end element 142E for attaching the third sliding member 213.

[0188] The track of the first guide rail 214 is arranged to allow a limited relative rotational movement around the shaft 144 of a set of elements 142. The track of the first guide rail 214 is arranged to allow a limited relative movement with respect to the guide rail 214 of the sliding rail according to certain aspects.

[0189] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 210 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rail by a pair of guide rails, and includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described below with reference to FIG. 17b according to certain aspects. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a second sliding member 220 disposed at the upper rear portion of the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140. Accordingly, the second sliding member 220 is configured to be disposed in relation to the upper side 140a and the rear side 140d.

[0190] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes three sliding rails 221, 222, 223 that are stacked and arranged to enable relative movement to facilitate mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIGS. 11a and 17b). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a first sliding rail 221 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 222 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 223 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. The first sliding rail 221 may be fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by a joint member J2A. The second sliding rail 222 may be fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C by a joint member J2C. The third sliding rail 223 may be fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by a joint member J2E (see, for example, FIGS. 15 and 17b).

[0191] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 221, 222, 223 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140.

[0192] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a first guide rail 224 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A. The first guide rail 224 is fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by the same joint member J2A as the first sliding member 221 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure (see FIG. 17b). The first guide rail 224 is configured to pass through the opening OA of the first end element 142A, the opening OB of the first intermediate element 142B, and the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, and is movably disposed with respect to the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first guide rail 224 is configured to extend in relation to the second intermediate element 142C so as to facilitate relative movement with respect to the joint member J2C passing through the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C for attaching the second sliding member 222 (see FIGS. 15 and 17b), and has a track T24 (see FIG. 11a). Accordingly, the first guide rail 224 is movably disposed with respect to the second sliding member 222.

[0193] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second sliding member 220 includes a second guide rail 225 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by the same joint member J2E as the third sliding rail member 223 (see FIG. 17b). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is configured to pass through the opening OE of the second end element 142E, the opening OD of the third intermediate element 142D, and the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C, and is disposed movably with respect to the third intermediate element 142D and the second intermediate element 142C. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 has a track T25 configured to extend in relation to the second intermediate element 142C so as to facilitate relative movement with respect to the joint member J2C passing through the opening OC of the second intermediate element 142C for attaching the second sliding member 222. Thus, the second guide rail 225 is disposed movably with respect to the second sliding member 222. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second guide rail 225 is disposed overlappingly in relation to the second intermediate element 142C. The tracks of the first guide rail 224 and the second guide rail 225 are disposed to allow limited relative rotational movement around the shaft 144 of the set of elements 142. The joint member passing through the opening of the second intermediate element 142C stops each guide rail by opposing each end of the tracks of the pair of guide rails 224, 225.

[0194] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 220 includes control members U21, U22, U23 for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails 221, 222, 223 by a pair of guide rails 224, 225. The control members may also be referred to as control brackets or control bracket members. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member includes a first control member U21 attached to the first sliding rail 221, a second control member U22 attached to the second sliding rail 222, and a third control member U23 attached to the third sliding rail 223. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, each of the control members U21, U22, U23 has a U-shaped configuration with a base portion arranged in relation to each of the sliding rails 221, 222, 223 and a leg portion having an opening. See FIG. 17b.

[0195] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a third sliding member 230 disposed at the central lower portion of the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140. Thus, the third sliding member 230 is configured to be disposed in relation to the upper central portion of the central portion 140i of the supply chute 140.

[0196] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third sliding member 230 includes two sliding rails 231, 232 arranged one above the other to allow relative movement for facilitating the mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 11a). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third sliding member 230 includes a first sliding rail 231 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A and a second sliding rail 232 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0197] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third sliding member 230 may include a single guide rail 234 arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 16).

[0198] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 230 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by the guide rail 234, and according to certain aspects, includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0199] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a fourth sliding member 240 disposed at the central rear portion of the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140. Thus, the fourth sliding member 240 is configured to be disposed in relation to the central portion of the rear side 140d.

[0200] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth sliding member 240 includes three sliding rails 241, 242, 243 that are arranged in an overlapping manner to enable relative movement for promoting the relative rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 12a). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth sliding member 240 includes a first sliding rail 241 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 242 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 243 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0201] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 241, 242, 243 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the upper channel C1 of the supply chute 140.

[0202] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fourth sliding member 240 may include guide rails that are arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rails 224, 225 of the second sliding member 220.

[0203] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 240 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by a pair of guide rails, and according to certain aspects, includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0204] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a fifth sliding member 250 disposed at the lower center of the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140. Accordingly, the fifth sliding member 250 is configured to be disposed in relation to the central portion of the lower side 140b.

[0205] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fifth sliding member 250 includes three sliding rails 251, 252, 253 that are stacked to enable relative movement to facilitate the relative rotational movement of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144 (see, for example, FIG. 12a). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fifth sliding member 250 includes a first sliding rail 251 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 252 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 253 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0206] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 251, 252, 253 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140.

[0207] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the fifth sliding member 250 may include a single guide rail 254 that is arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 12a).

[0208] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding member 250 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by the guide rail 254, and according to an aspect, includes a control member substantially corresponding to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0209] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a sixth sliding member 260 disposed at the rear lower part of the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140. Thus, the sixth sliding member 260 is configured to be disposed in relation to the lower side 140b and the rear side 140d.

[0210] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sixth sliding member 260 includes three sliding rails 261, 262, 263 that are stacked to enable relative movement to facilitate the mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 12a). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sixth sliding member 260 includes a first sliding rail 261 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 262 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 263 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E. The first sliding rail 261 may be fixedly connected to the first end element 142A by a joint member J6A. The second sliding rail 222 may be fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C by a joint member J6C. The third sliding rail 223 may be fixedly connected to the second end element 142E by a joint member J6E (see, for example, FIG. 15).

[0211] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 261, 262, 263 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140.

[0212] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sixth sliding member 260 includes a first guide rail 264 and a second guide rail 265 that are arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rails 224 and 225 of the second sliding member 220.

[0213] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 260 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by the guide rails 264 and 265, and according to certain aspects, includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0214] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes a seventh sliding member 270 disposed at the upper center of the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140. Thus, the seventh sliding member 270 is configured to be disposed in relation to the lower center of the central portion 140i of the supply chute 140.

[0215] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the seventh sliding member 270 includes two sliding rails 271 and 272 that are stacked to enable relative movement for facilitating the mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 11b). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the seventh sliding member 270 includes a first sliding rail 271 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A and a second sliding rail 272 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0216] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the seventh sliding member 270 may include a single guide rail 274 that is arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rail 214 of the first sliding member 210 (see FIG. 16).

[0217] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 270 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by the guide rail 274, and according to certain aspects, includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0218] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding mechanism 200 includes an eighth sliding member 280 disposed at the central rear portion of the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140. Accordingly, the eighth sliding member 280 is configured to be disposed in relation to the central portion of the rear side 140d.

[0219] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the eighth sliding member 280 includes three sliding rails 281, 282, 283 that are stacked to allow relative movement to facilitate the mutual rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E (see, for example, FIG. 12b). According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the eighth sliding member 280 includes a first sliding rail 281 fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, a second sliding rail 282 fixedly connected to the second intermediate element 142C, and a third sliding rail 283 fixedly connected to the second end element 142E.

[0220] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding rails 281, 282, 283 have an angled configuration including a mounting portion and a sliding portion including a sliding surface configured to face the direction of the ammunition supplied through the lower channel C2 of the supply chute 140.

[0221] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the eighth sliding member 280 may include guide rails that are arranged to have substantially the same function as the guide rails 224, 225 of the second sliding member 220.

[0222] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the sliding member 280 is a control member for further facilitating the connection and control of the sliding rails by a pair of guide rails, and according to certain aspects, includes a control member that substantially corresponds to the control member for the sliding member 220 described above with reference to FIG. 17b.

[0223] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members are attached to one supply element such that the sliding members can move relative to each other based on rotational movement around the shaft 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0224] The guide rails are not shown in FIGS. 11b and 12b.

[0225] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation around the shaft 144 of the individual elements is set to a maximum rotation angle such that the displacement relative to adjacent elements can be easily and efficiently achieved by the uninterrupted supply of ammunition by the sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 through the supply chute 140.

[0226] The number of elements in a set of elements 142 and the distance between a set of elements are such that the supply chute 140 in which a set of elements 142 is arranged to be movable around the shaft 144 facilitates the supply by the sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 at any elevation angle of the weapon through the ammunition supply chute 140, that is, through the channels C1, C2 of the supply chute 140, and is selected according to the maximum rotation angle of such individual elements.

[0227] The supply chute 140 includes a rotation limiting mechanism 300 configured to limit the rotation around the shaft 144 of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E. See, for example, FIGS. 11b and 15. The rotation limiting mechanism 300 has substantially the same function as the track member 40t and the spacer member 48 described above with reference to the supply chute 40.

[0228] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation limiting mechanism 300 is arranged in relation to the rear side 140d of the supply chute 140. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation limiting mechanism 300 is centrally arranged in relation to the rear side 140d of the supply chute 140.

[0229] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation limiting mechanism 300 is centrally disposed in relation to the rear side 140d of the supply chute 140 and is disposed from the connection side 140e to the receiving side 140f.

[0230] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the rotation limiting mechanism 300 may include or be connected to a joint member J300 disposed in relation to the receiving side 140f (see, for example, FIGS. 14b and 15). The joint member J300 includes a protrusion J300a configured to protrude from the receiving side 140f. The protrusion J300a is configured to facilitate connection to and removal from the intermediate chute 50. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the protrusion J300a is configured to be movably connected to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 that faces the receiving side 140f of the supply chute 140. The protrusion J300a, together with the shaft protrusion J144a, is configured to be movably connected to a track portion of the intermediate chute 50 that faces the receiving side 140f of the supply chute 140. This may facilitate easy attachment and removal of the supply chute 140.

[0231] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 includes a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350. The set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes individual track member portions. Each individual track member portion 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 is disposed in relation to an individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of a set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140.

[0232] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 for the supply chute 140 differs in that the track members 40t and the spacer members 48, i.e., the rotation limiting mechanism 40t, 48 for the supply chute, and the tracks for the spacer members 48 are provided on the track member portions attached to each element of the supply chute 40 and each element of the supply chute 140.

[0233] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes tracks. The tracks of each track member part 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 are arranged at a distance from the individual elements to which they are connected. The tracks of each track member part 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 are arranged within a certain distance between those elements, at a distance from the individual elements adjacent to the individual elements to which they are connected.

[0234] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a first end track member part 310 arranged in relation to a first end element 142A. The first end track member part 310 is arranged centrally in relation to the rear side of the first end element 142A.

[0235] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member part 310 is configured to project towards a first intermediate element 142B. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member part 310 is configured to project in a direction that substantially coincides with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B, towards the rear side part of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0236] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 includes a track portion having a track T10. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T10 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to an extension of the rear side portion of the first end element 142A at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the first end element 142A. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first end track member portion 310 is attached to the rear side portion of the first end element 142A by a first joint member J10a associated with one end of the track portion and a second joint member J10b associated with the opposite end of the track portion. The first and second joint members may be, for example, screw joint members. Thus, the first and second joint members are configured to attach the track portion to the first end element 142A, and the first joint member and the second joint member are attached at a distance from the central portion of the rear end portion of the first end element 142A on opposite sides of the central portion.

[0237] The track T10 of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the first end element 142A.

[0238] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a first intermediate track member portion 320 disposed in relation to the first intermediate element 142B. The first intermediate track member portion 320 is disposed in relation to the rear side of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0239] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first intermediate track member portion 320 has a first connection portion 320a configured to project towards the first end element 142A and thus towards the first end track member portion 310. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 320a is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the first intermediate element 142B and the first end element 142A towards the rear side portion of the first end element 142A.

[0240] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first intermediate track member portion 320 has a second connection portion 320b configured to project towards the second intermediate element 142C and thus towards the second intermediate track member portion 330. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 320b is configured to project in a direction that substantially coincides with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a portion of the distance between the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C towards the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0241] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 320a of the intermediate track member portion 320 includes a track portion having a track T20a. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20a is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B. The track T20a of the track portion of the first connection portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 is configured to face the track T10 of the track portion of the first end track member portion 310.

[0242] The track T20a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0243] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 320b of the intermediate track member portion 320 includes a track portion having a track T20b. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20b is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B. The track T20b of the track portion of the first connection portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the second intermediate track member portion 330.

[0244] The track T20b of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0245] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a first intermediate track member portion 320 having a first connection portion 320a and a second connection portion 320b is attached to the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B by a first joint member J20a associated with one end portion of the track portion and a second joint member J20b associated with the end portion on the opposite side of the track portion. The joint members J20a and J20b penetrate the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B so as to attach the first and second connection portions 320a, 320b to the first intermediate element 142B. The first and second joint members may be, for example, screw joint members. Accordingly, the first and second joint members are configured to attach the track portion to the first intermediate element 142B, and the first joint member and the second joint member are attached at a distance from the central portion of the rear end portion of the first intermediate element 142B on the opposite side of the central portion.

[0246] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a second intermediate track member portion 330 disposed in relation to the second intermediate element 142C. The second intermediate track member portion 330 is disposed in relation to the rear side of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0247] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second intermediate track member portion 330 has a first connection portion 330a configured to project toward the first intermediate element 142B and thus toward the first intermediate track member portion 320. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 330a is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the second intermediate element 142C and the first intermediate element 142B toward the rear side portion of the first intermediate element 142B.

[0248] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second intermediate track member portion 330 has a second connection portion 330b configured to project toward the third intermediate element 142D and thus toward the third intermediate track member portion 340. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 330b is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a portion of the distance between the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D, toward the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0249] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 includes a track portion having a track T30a. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T30a is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C, at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C. The track T30a of the track portion of the first connection portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 is configured to face the track T20b of the track portion of the second connection portion 320b of the first intermediate track member portion 320.

[0250] The track T30a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0251] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 includes a track portion having a track T30b. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T30b is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C, at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C. The track T30b of the track portion of the second connection portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the third intermediate track member portion 340.

[0252] The track T30b of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0253] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a second intermediate track member portion 330 having a first connection portion 330a and a second connection portion 330b is attached to the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C by a first joint member J30a associated with one end portion of the track portion and a second joint member J30b associated with the end portion on the opposite side of the track portion. The joint members J30a and J30b penetrate the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C so as to attach the first and second connection portions 330a, 330b to the second intermediate element 142C. The first and second joint members may be, for example, screw joint members. Thus, the first and second joint members are configured to attach the track portion to the second intermediate element 142C, and the first joint member and the second joint member are attached at a distance from the central portion of the rear end portion of the second intermediate element 142C on the opposite side of the central portion.

[0254] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a third intermediate track member portion 340 disposed in relation to a third intermediate element 142D. The third intermediate track member portion 340 is disposed in relation to the rear side of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0255] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the third intermediate track member portion 340 has a first connection portion 340a configured to project toward the second intermediate element 142C and thus toward the second intermediate track member portion 330. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 340a is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the third intermediate element 142D and the second intermediate element 142C toward the rear side portion of the second intermediate element 142C.

[0256] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the third intermediate track member portion 340 has a second connection portion 340b configured to project toward the second end element 142E, and thus toward the second end track member portion 350. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 340b is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E, toward the rear side portion of the second end element 142E.

[0257] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 includes a track portion having a track T40a. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T40a is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D, at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D. The track T40a of the track portion of the first connection portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 is configured to face the track T30b of the track portion of the second connection portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330.

[0258] The track T40a of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0259] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second connection portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 includes a track portion having a track T40b. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T20 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to the extension of the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D, at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D. The track T40b of the track portion of the second connection portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 is configured to face the track of the track portion of the second end track member portion 350.

[0260] The track T40b of the track portion extends in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0261] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a third intermediate track member portion 340 having a first connection portion 340a and a second connection portion 340b is attached to the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D by a first joint member J40a associated with one end portion of the track portion and a second joint member J40b associated with the opposite end portion of the track portion. The joint members J40a and J40b penetrate the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D so as to attach the first and second connection portions 340a, 340b to the third intermediate element 142D. The first and second joint members may be, for example, screw joint members. Accordingly, the first and second joint members are configured to attach the track portion to the second intermediate element 142C, and the first joint member and the second joint member are attached at a distance from the central portion of the rear end portion of the second intermediate element 142C on the opposite side of the central portion.

[0262] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes a second end track member portion 350 disposed in relation to the second end element 142E. The second end track member portion 350 is disposed in relation to the rear side of the second end element 142E.

[0263] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is configured to project toward the third intermediate element 142D. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is configured to project in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial extension of the shaft 144 by a part of the distance between the second end element 142E and the third intermediate element 142D toward the rear side portion of the third intermediate element 142D.

[0264] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 includes a track portion having a track T50. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the track portion having the track T50 is configured to extend in a direction substantially parallel to an extension of the rear side portion of the second end element 142E at a certain distance from the rear side portion of the second end element 142E. According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the second end track member portion 350 is attached to the rear side portion of the second end element 142E by a first joint member J50a associated with one end of the track portion and a second joint member J50b associated with the opposite end of the track portion. The first and second joint members may be, for example, screw joint members. Thus, the first and second joint members are configured to attach the track portion to the second end element 142E, and the first joint member and the second joint member are attached at a distance from the central portion of the rear end of the second end element 142E on opposite sides of the central portion.

[0265] The track T50 of the track portion extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 and substantially orthogonal to the extension of the middle portion of the second end element 142E.

[0266] The rotation limiting mechanism 300 includes a set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 configured to connect a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 so as to limit the rotation of the supply chute 140 of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0267] Thus, the set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect the set of elements 142 so as to limit the rotation of the supply chute 140 of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0268] Therefore, a set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect a set of elements 142 by connecting a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 so as to restrict the rotation of the supply chute 140 of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0269] According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect a set of track member portions 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation restricting mechanism 300 so as to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144.

[0270] Therefore, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect a set of elements 142 so as to hold the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E together in the axial direction, i.e., in the direction of the shaft 144.

[0271] A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 has longitudinal extensions according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a joint member configuration according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 has a cylindrical shape according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 has longitudinal extensions that extend through two tracks of opposing track portions facing each other, i.e., the tracks of adjacent track member portions, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to be movable along the tracks in the longitudinal extensions of the tracks according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is configured to connect adjacent track portions so as to substantially prevent relative movement of the track portions in the axial direction, i.e., the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the tracks, and thus in the axial direction of the spacer members. A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 has stop members to maintain a constant distance between adjacent elements associated with those track member portions by holding adjacent track member portions in the axial direction, i.e., the axial extension of the shaft.

[0272] The individual spacer members of the set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect the opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions by being movably and connectably arranged in relation to the opposing tracks of the track portions facing each other.

[0273] Each of the set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 connects opposing track portions and is configured to pass through the opposing tracks of the opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions so as to enable relative movement of the opposing track portions in the track direction by allowing limited movement of the spacer members between opposite ends of the tracks facing each other. Thus, by allowing limited movement of the spacer members between opposite ends of the tracks facing each other, limited movement of the tracks facing each other is enabled, and thus limited rotation of the adjacent elements to which the adjacent track member portions are attached is brought about.

[0274] Each of the set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 connects opposing track portions and is configured to pass through the opposing tracks of the opposing track portions of adjacent track member portions so as to substantially prevent relative movement of the opposing track portions in the direction of the spacer members, and thus in the axial direction, by providing a stop member on the spacer member to prevent movement of the spacer members through each of the tracks of the tracks facing each other.

[0275] A set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 includes a first spacer member J12. The first spacer member J12 is configured to connect a first end track member portion 310 and a first intermediate track member portion 320 so as to limit the rotation of the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B relative to each other about the shaft 144. The first spacer member J12 is configured to pass through the track T10 of the first end track member portion 310 and the track T20a of the first connection portion 320a of the first intermediate track member portion 320 so as to connect the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B. By enabling the spacer member J12 to move within the tracks T10, T20A, a limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142A, 142B about the shaft 144 becomes possible. The first spacer member J12 is configured to connect the first end element 142A and the first intermediate element 142B and to pass through the tracks T10 and T20a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by the stop member of the first spacer member J12.

[0276] A set of spacer members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a second spacer member J23. The second spacer member J23 is configured to connect a first intermediate track member portion 320 and a second intermediate track member portion 330 so as to limit the rotation of the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C relative to each other about the shaft 144. The second spacer member J23 is configured to pass through the track T20b of the second connection portion 320b of the first intermediate track member portion 320 and the track T30a of the first connection portion 330a of the second intermediate track member portion 330 so as to connect the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C. By enabling the spacer member J23 to move within the tracks T20b, T30a, a limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142B, 142C about the shaft 144 becomes possible. The second spacer member J23 is configured to connect the first intermediate element 142B and the second intermediate element 142C and to pass through the tracks T20b and T30a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by the stop member of the second spacer member J23.

[0277] A set of spacer members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a third spacer member J34. The third spacer member J34 is configured to connect a second intermediate track member portion 330 and a third intermediate track member portion 340 so as to limit the rotation of the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D relative to each other about the shaft 144. The third spacer member J34 is configured to pass through the track T30b of the second connection portion 330b of the second intermediate track member portion 330 and the track T40a of the first connection portion 340a of the third intermediate track member portion 340 so as to connect the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D. By enabling the spacer member J34 to move within the tracks T30b, T40a, a limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142C, 142D about the shaft 144 becomes possible. The third spacer member J34 is configured to connect the second intermediate element 142C and the third intermediate element 142D and to pass through the tracks T30b and T40a so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by the stop member of the third spacer member J34.

[0278] A set of spacer members J23, J23, J34, J45 includes a fourth spacer member J45. The fourth spacer member J45 is configured to connect the third intermediate track member portion 340 and the second end track member portion 350 so as to limit the rotation of the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E relative to each other about the shaft 144. The fourth spacer member J45 is configured to pass through the track T40b of the second connection portion 340b of the third intermediate track member portion 340 and the track T50 of the second end track member portion 350 so as to connect the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E, and by allowing the spacer member J45 to move within the tracks T40b, T50, a limited relative rotational movement of the elements 142D, 142E about the shaft 144 is enabled. The fourth spacer member J45 is configured to connect the third intermediate element 142D and the second end element 142E and to pass through the tracks T40b and T50 so as to substantially prevent relative movement in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft 144 by the stop member of the fourth spacer member J45.

[0279] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0280] Some aspects related to the apparatus and vehicle for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon, particularly to the sliding mechanism 200, are described below.

[0281] Aspect 1A. An apparatus for supplying ammunition A to a weapon 20, attached to an elevation device 30 arranged to enable an elevation movement of the weapon 20 about an elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20, the apparatus comprising a supply chute 140 having one or more channels C1, C2 configured to be supplied with ammunition A, the supply chute having a connection side 140e for connecting the supply chute to the weapon 20 and an opposite receiving side 140f for receiving ammunition supplied via the supply chute 140, the supply chute 140 comprising a set of elements 142 assembled to provide at least one channel C1, C2, the set of elements 142 being arranged around a shaft 144 configured to be coaxial with the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20 to enable movement of individual elements of the set of elements 142, which are displaceable relative to each other in stages in relation to the elevation movement of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1, around the shaft 144, and the individual elements movable around the shaft 144 being configured to be arranged at a constant distance in the axial direction of the shaft 144 from adjacent elements, the supply chute comprising a sliding mechanism 200 arranged in relation to the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E to facilitate the supply through each individual element of the ammunition supply chute 140.

[0282] Aspect 2A. The apparatus according to aspect 1A, wherein the sliding mechanism 200 comprises a set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 arranged at a distance from each other in at least one channel C1, C2 of the supply chute 140.

[0283] Aspect 3A. The apparatus according to aspect 2A, wherein the set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 are configured to extend in the supply direction so as to facilitate the supply through each individual element 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the ammunition supply chute 140.

[0284] Aspect 4A. An apparatus according to Aspect 2A or 3A, wherein each of the set of sliding members 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280 has a longitudinal extension and is configured to extend in a direction substantially coinciding with the axial direction of the shaft so as to facilitate supply through each of the respective elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of the ammunition supply chute 140.

[0285] Aspect 5A. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 2A to 4A, comprising an upper sliding member configured to be disposed above the channel of the supply chute 140 and a lower sliding member configured to be disposed below the channel of the supply chute 140 of the sliding mechanism 200.

[0286] Aspect 6A. An apparatus according to any one of Aspects 2A to 5A, wherein the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 are provided with sliding rails arranged in an overlapping manner so as to enable relative movement to facilitate the stepwise mutual displacement of the individual supply elements of the set of elements 142 when rotating around the shaft 144.

[0287] Aspect 7A. An apparatus according to Aspect 6A, wherein the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members are attached to one supply element such that the sliding rails can move relative to each other based on the rotational movement of the supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E around the shaft 144.

[0288] Aspect 8A. A set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140 includes a first end element 142A configured to be closest to the weapon 20 in relation to the connection side 140e, a second end element 142E configured to be farthest from the weapon 20 in relation to the receiving side 140f, and intermediate elements 142B, 142C, 142D arranged between the first and second elements. The sliding rails of the individual sliding members can move relative to each other based on the rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E. The individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the connection side are attached to the first end element 142A, and the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the receiving side are attached to the second end element 142E. The device according to Aspect 6A or 7A.

[0289] Aspect 9A. The sliding rails of the individual sliding members arranged between the sliding rail attached to the first end element 142A and the sliding rail attached to the second end element 142E are attached to the intermediate supply element so that the sliding rails of the individual sliding members can move relative to each other based on the rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E. The device according to Aspect 8A.

[0290] Aspect 10A. The individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members have sliding surfaces configured to face the ammunition during the supply through the ammunition supply chute 140. The device according to any one of Aspects 6A to 9A.

[0291] Aspect 11A. The number of the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members is based on the range between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle of the weapon. The device according to any one of Aspects 6A to 10A.

[0292] Aspect 12A. The number of the individual sliding rails of the individual sliding members is based on the range of the degree of the rotational movement around the shafts 144 of the individual supply elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E. The device according to any one of Aspects 6A to 11A.

[0293] Aspect 13A. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 6A to 12A, wherein the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 are provided with guide rails arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members so as to guide and control the movement of the sliding rails.

[0294] Aspect 14A. The apparatus according to Aspect 13A, wherein the guide rails of the individual sliding members arranged in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members are configured to pass through the openings of the elements of a set of elements 142.

[0295] Aspect 15A. The apparatus according to Aspect 13A or 14A, wherein the individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism 200 are provided with a pair of guide rails arranged one above the other in relation to the sliding rails of the sliding members so as to guide, and thus control, the movement of the sliding rails of the sliding members.

[0296] Aspect 16A. The first guide rail of the pair of guide rails is configured to be fixedly connected to the first end element 142A, the second guide rail of the pair of guide rails is configured to be fixedly connected to the second end element 142E, the pair of guide rails are arranged one above the other in relation to the intermediate element, and the pair of guide rails are arranged to be movable relative to each other in relation to the opening of the intermediate element through which the pair of guide rails pass. The apparatus according to Aspect 15A.

[0297] Aspect 17A. The pair of guide rails of the individual sliding members have tracks associated with the portions where the overlap of the pair of guide rails of the pair of guide rails is intended, and the tracks of each guide rail of the pair of guide rails are arranged to allow a limited relative rotational movement around the shaft 144 of a set of elements 142. The apparatus according to Aspect 15A or 16A.

[0298] Aspect 18A. A joint member passing through an opening of an intermediate element, configured to attach a sliding rail disposed between a sliding rail attached to a first end element 142A and a sliding rail attached to a second end element 142E, the device according to any one of Aspects 15A to 17A, configured to stop each guide rail by opposing each end of each track of a pair of guide rails.

[0299] Aspect 19A. The supply chute 140 is fixedly attached to the guiding chutes 50, 60 for guiding the ammunition A from the magazine to the supply chute 140 at an end opposite to the end connected to the weapon 20, the device according to any one of Aspects 1A to 18A.

[0300] Aspect 20A. The first end element 142A is configured to pivot around the shaft 144 corresponding to the elevation movement around the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20, the device according to any one of Aspects 8A to 19A.

[0301] Aspect 21A. The second end element 142E is configured to be substantially fixed so as to be connected to the supply chute 140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon 20, the device according to any one of Aspects 8A to 20A.

[0302] Aspect 22A. The second end element 142E, which is the farthest from the weapon 20, is configured to have an angle β within the range between the maximum elevation angle α1 and the minimum elevation angle α2 of the weapon 20, the device according to any one of Aspects 8A to 21A.

[0303] Aspect 23A. The supply chute 140 includes an upper channel C1 for supplying the ammunition A and a lower channel C2 for supplying the ammunition A, and the shaft 144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel, the device according to any one of Aspects 1A to 22A.

[0304] Aspect 24A. The device according to any one of Aspects 1A to 23A, configured such that ammunition A is guided through a guiding chute from a substantially upright position within the magazine to a substantially lying position within the supply chute.

[0305] Aspect 25A. The device according to any one of Aspects 1A to 24A, for a vehicle-mounted weapon system S comprising a weapon 20 attached to a turret 10 via an elevation device 30.

[0306] Some aspects related particularly to the rotation limiting mechanisms 40t, 48; 300 of a device and a vehicle for supplying ammunition according to the present disclosure to a weapon are described below.

[0307] Aspect 1B. A device for supplying ammunition A to a weapon 20, the weapon 20 being attached to an elevation device 30 arranged to enable an elevation movement about an elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20, the device comprising a supply chute 40; 140, the supply chute having a connection side 40e; 140e for connecting the supply chute to the weapon 20 and a receiving side 40f; 140f on the opposite side, the supply chute having a front side 40c; 140c that substantially faces the firing direction of the weapon when the supply chute is connected to the weapon 20 and a rear side 40d; 140d on the opposite side, the supply chute 40; 140 comprising an assembled set of elements 42; 142, the set of elements 42; 142 being arranged around a shaft 44; 144 configured to be coaxial with the elevation axis Z1 so as to enable movement of the individual elements of the set of elements 42; 142 related to the elevation movement about the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20 around the shaft 44; 144, the device comprising a rotation limiting mechanism 40t, 48; 300 arranged in relation to the front side or the rear side of the supply chute and configured to limit rotation of the individual elements around the shaft 44; 144.

[0308] Aspect 2B. The apparatus according to Aspect 1B, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises tracks associated with individual elements of a set of elements, the tracks extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft 144 so as to facilitate limited rotation around the shafts 44; 144 of the individual elements.

[0309] Aspect 3B. The apparatus according to Aspect 1B or 2B, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacer members 48; J12, J23, J34, J45 configured to connect a set of elements 142 so as to limit rotation around the shafts 44; 144 of the individual elements.

[0310] Aspect 4B. The apparatus according to Aspect 3B, wherein the set of spacer members 48; J12, J23, J34, J45 are configured to connect a set of elements 142 so as to hold the individual elements of the set of elements together in the axial direction of the shaft.

[0311] Aspect 5B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 4B, wherein the individual elements movable around the shaft 44 are configured to be arranged without gaps in the axial direction of the shaft 44 with respect to adjacent elements, and the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a track member 40t configured to penetrate a set of elements 42 so as to limit rotation around the shaft 44 of the individual elements.

[0312] Aspect 6B. The apparatus according to Aspect 5B, wherein the track member 40t is arranged to penetrate individual elements of a set of elements 42 and comprises tracks extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension of the shaft so as to limit rotation around the shaft 44 of the individual elements.

[0313] Aspect 7B. The apparatus according to Aspect 5B or 6B, wherein the tracks of each individual element are alternately displaced with respect to adjacent elements so as to facilitate connection of adjacent elements by individual spacer members for limiting rotation around the shaft 44 of the individual elements.

[0314] Aspect 8B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 5B to 7B, wherein each spacer member 48 of a set of spacer members 48 is movably connected to the track of each element so as to limit rotation around the shaft 44 of each element and is configured to be fixedly connected to adjacent individual elements.

[0315] Aspect 9B. Individual elements movable around shaft 144 are configured to be arranged at a constant distance in the axial direction of shaft 144 with respect to adjacent elements, and the rotation limiting mechanism 300 includes a set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, and each individual track member part 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 is arranged in relation to the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E of a set of elements 142 of the supply chute 140, the apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 4B.

[0316] Aspect 10B. The set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 includes tracks, and the track of each track member part 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 is arranged within a certain distance between those elements, at a distance from the individual elements to which it is connected and at a distance from the individual elements adjacent to the individual elements to which it is connected. The apparatus according to Aspect 9B.

[0317] Aspect 11B. The apparatus according to Aspect 9B or 10B, wherein a set of spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 is configured to connect a set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 of the rotation limiting mechanism 300 so as to limit rotation around the shaft 144 of the supply chute 140 of the individual elements 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E.

[0318] Aspect 12B. The apparatus according to Aspect 10B or 11B, wherein adjacent track member parts of a set of track member parts 310, 320, 330, 340, 350 have track parts provided with tracks facing each other, and each of the spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 is arranged to be movable and connectable in relation to the opposing tracks of the track parts so as to connect the opposing track parts of the adjacent track member parts.

[0319] Aspect 13B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 10B to 12B, wherein each of the spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 of a set of spacer members is configured to pass through the opposing tracks of the opposing track parts of adjacent track member parts so as to connect the opposing track parts and enable relative movement of the opposing track parts in the direction of the tracks by allowing limited movement of the spacer members between opposite ends of the tracks facing each other.

[0320] Aspect 14B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 10B to 13B, wherein each of the spacer members J12, J23, J34, J45 of a set of spacer members is configured to pass through the opposing tracks of the opposing track parts of adjacent track member parts so as to connect the opposing track parts and substantially prevent relative movement of the spacer members of the opposing track parts in the direction of the spacer members, and thus in the axial direction, by providing a stop member on the spacer members to prevent movement of the spacer members through each of the tracks of the tracks facing each other.

[0321] Aspect 15B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 14B, wherein the supply chute 40; 140 is fixedly attached to the guiding chutes 50, 60 for guiding the ammunition A from the magazine M to the supply chute 40; 140 at an end opposite to the end connected to the weapon 20.

[0322] Aspect 16B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 15B, wherein the supply chute 40; 140 is configured to be closest to the weapon 20 and includes a first end element 42e1; 142A configured to pivot about a shaft 44; 144 in response to an elevation movement about the elevation axis Z1 of the weapon 20.

[0323] Aspect 17B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 16B, wherein the supply chute 40; 140 is configured to be farthest from the weapon 20 and is substantially fixed so as to be connected to the supply chute 40; 140 by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon 20, and includes a second end element 42e2; 142E.

[0324] Aspect 18B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 17B, wherein the individual elements movable about the shaft 44; 144 are configured to rotate about the shaft 44; 144 at a constant angle with respect to adjacent elements so as to enable the supply of ammunition A through the supply chute 40; 140 at any elevation angle of the elevation device 30.

[0325] Aspect 19B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 18B, wherein the supply chute 40; 140 includes an upper channel for supplying ammunition A and a lower channel for supplying ammunition A, and the shaft 44; 144 is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel.

[0326] Aspect 20B. The apparatus according to any one of Aspects 1B to 19B, which is for a vehicle-mounted weapon system C including a weapon 20 attached to a turret 10 via an elevation device 30.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supplying ammunition (A) to a weapon (20), wherein the weapon (20) is attached to an elevation device (30) arranged to enable an elevation movement about an elevation axis (Z1) of the weapon (20), the apparatus comprising a supply chute (40; 140) having one end connected to the weapon (20) and comprising a set of elements (42; 142) assembled in a stacked structure, the set of elements (42; 142) being arranged around a shaft (44; 144) configured to be coaxial with the elevation axis (Z1) so as to enable movement around the shaft (44; 144) of the individual elements of the set of elements (42; 142) in relation to an elevation movement about the elevation axis (Z1) of the weapon (20). An apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) is fixedly attached to a guide chute (50, 60) for guiding the ammunition (A) from a magazine (M) to the supply chute (40; 140) at an end opposite to the end connected to the weapon (20).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) is configured to be closest to the weapon (20) and comprises a first end element (42e1; 142A) configured to pivot around the shaft (44; 144) in response to an elevation movement about the elevation axis (Z1) of the weapon (20).

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) is configured to be farthest from the weapon (20) and is substantially fixed so as to be connected to the supply chute (40; 140) by being in the same position regardless of the elevation angle of the weapon (20). It has a second end element (42e2; 142E) configured as follows.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the elements between the first end element (42e1; 142A) and the second end element (42e2; 142E) of the set of elements (42; 142) are displaceable relative to each other in a stepped manner.

6. The individual elements movable around the shaft (44; 144) are configured to rotate around the shaft (44; 144) at a constant angle with respect to adjacent elements so as to enable the supply of ammunition (A) through the supply chute (40; 140) at any elevation angle of the elevation device (30). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The supply chute is configured to provide at least one channel by the element so that ammunition is supplied. The individual elements movable around the shaft (144) are configured to be arranged at a constant distance from each other in the axial direction of the shaft (144). The supply chute (140) is arranged in relation to the individual elements (142A, 142B, 142C, 142D, 142E), and includes a sliding mechanism (200) having a set of sliding members (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280) configured to run in the supply direction so as to facilitate the supply of ammunition through each individual element of the supply chute (140). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The individual sliding members of the sliding mechanism (200) are provided with sliding rails arranged in an overlapping manner in relation to the individual elements so as to enable relative movement for promoting the gradual mutual displacement of the individual elements of the set of elements (142) when rotating around the shaft (144). The device according to claim 7.

9. The supply chute has a connection side (40e; 140e) for connecting the supply chute to the weapon (20) and a receiving side (40f; 140f) on the opposite side. The supply chute has a front side (40c; 140c) that substantially faces the firing direction of the weapon when the supply chute is connected to the weapon (20) and a rear side (40d; 140d) on the opposite side. The device includes a rotation limiting mechanism (40t, 48; 300) arranged in relation to the front side or the rear side of the supply chute and configured to limit the rotation of the individual elements around the shaft (44; 144). The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a track associated with each of the elements of the set of elements, the track extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to an extension of the shaft (144) so as to facilitate the limited rotation of each of the elements about the shaft (44; 144).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the rotation limiting mechanism comprises a set of spacer members (48; J12, J23, J34, J45) configured to connect the set of elements (42; 142) so as to limit rotation of each of the elements about the shaft (44; 144).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the second end element (42e2; 142E) furthest from the weapon (20) is configured to have an angle (β) within a range between a maximum elevation angle (α1) and a minimum elevation angle (α2) of the weapon (20).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the set of elements (42; 142) is journal-supported for pivotal movement about the shaft (44; 144).

13. The supply chute (40; 140) comprises an upper channel (C1) for supplying ammunition (A) and a lower channel (C2) for supplying ammunition (A), The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the shaft (44; 144) is disposed between the upper channel and the lower channel.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the supply chute (40; 140) comprises a fastening mechanism for attaching the supply chute (40; 140) to the weapon (20) in relation to the one end of the supply chute (40; 140).

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the ammunition (A) is configured to be guided through the guiding chute (50, 60) from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially lying position in the supply chute.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, for a vehicle-mounted weapon system (C) comprising the weapon (20) attached to the turret (10) via the elevation device (30).

17. The device comprising the supply chute (40; 140) and the guiding chute (50, 60) to which the supply chute (40; 140) is connected is configured to be arranged in the turret (10) of the vehicle-mounted weapon system (C) for the weapon (20) mounted on the turret (10) via the elevation device (30), the device according to any one of claims 2 to 16.

18. A vehicle (V) comprising a device for supplying ammunition (A) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 from a magazine to a weapon (20) of a vehicle-mounted weapon system.

19. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the vehicle is a tracked vehicle.

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